"Before"—meaning: before the Quran—"as guidance for the people"—meaning: He sent all of these Books as guidance for the people—"and He sent down the Criterion [al-Furqan]." Qatada's interpretation: God distinguished between truth and falsehood in the Book. "Indeed, those who disbelieve in the verses of God"—Al-Hasan's interpretation: meaning, in the religion of God. "And God is Exalted in Might"—in His retribution—"the Owner of Retribution" against His enemies.